Former minister I. Merachiba of Merangkong village breathed his last on Sunday at around 1.30 p.m. at the age of 83, after a prolonged illness. During his lifetime, late Merachiba had served in various capacities in various posts. He was first elected to Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1966 and remained in the state political scene till 1987. He had also served as Public Accounts Committee chairman, NPPC Ltd. Tuli chairman, and Tuli Town Committee general secretary. Late Merachiba is survived by his wife Meyisenla, three sons, four daughters and fourteen grandchildren.The funeral service will be held on August 30, 11 a.m. at Tuli town and the body would be taken to the native village, Merangkong.State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed sadness over the demise of former minister and former MLA Merachiba, who passed away on Sunday. Rio stated in a condolence message that late Merachiba was one of the senior-most members of the “august House”, whose commitment and concern for the upliftment of the rural people made him join active politics at an early age. Stating that late Merachiba’s demise was a great loss to the people of the state, particularly the Aos, Rio said his contributions for the Naga people would always be remembered. The chief minister, along with his wife, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the Almighty to grant them solace and courage to withstand the loss.The governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar has also expressed grief over the demise of Merachiba Ao. The governor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to Almighty God to give them strength to bear their loss.Meanwhile, NBDA advisor and MLA L. Temjen Jamir has condoled the demise of Merachiba who passed away on Sunday. Describing late Merachiba as a former pioneer leader of Tuli area who led a life dedicated for truth and public welfare, Jamir further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.In a condolence message addressed to Mrs. Meyisenla, NPCC president, I. Imkong said he was “deeply shocked” to learn the demise of her husband Merachiba. Imkong said he learnt many good things from late Merachiba and still remembered the good times that they had in the Assembly. He described late Merachiba as an ardent and devoted Congressman throughout his political career and never left the party till his death. “He was a man of principle and took care for the welfare of the common man,” Imkong said. He conveyed deepest condolences to Mrs. Meyisenla and all her family members and prayed for strength and solace to them.